United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Recognizes the 225th anniversary of the American and French victory at Yorktown, Virginia, during the Revolutionary War. Reminds the American people of the debt the United States owes to its Armed Forces and the important role Yorktown and the Commonwealth of Virginia played in securing their liberty.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008-FY2011. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2007-FY2011 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2007-FY2011. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Education and the Workforce; (4) Energy and Commerce; (5) Government Reform; (6) Resources; (7) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (8) Ways and Means. Requires the Committee on Ways and Means to report a reconciliation bill providing for revenue reduction. Requires the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to submit to the Committee on the Budget its findings that identify savings amounting to 1% of total spending under its jurisdiction from activities that are wasteful, unnecessary, or lower-priority. Establishes a reserve fund for emergencies. Prohibits House legislation that would require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception. Makes rule XXVII of the House (the Gephardt Rule, relating to mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution) inapplicable with respect to the adoption by Congress of a budget resolution for FY2007. Requires: (1) reported legislation designated as an emergency requirement to include an explanation of the manner in which the legislation meets specified criteria; and (2) if such legislation is to be considered without being reported, the explanation to be published in the Congressional Record in advance of floor consideration. Provides for changes in allocations and aggregates resulting from realistic scoring of measures affecting federal revenues. Prohibits the use of revenue increases to comply with budget allocations and aggregates. Makes it out of order in the House to consider direct spending legislation that would increase an on-budget deficit or decrease an on-budget surplus for any specified applicable time period. Requires the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to maintain a: (1) Budget Protection Mandatory Account; and (2) Budget Protection Discretionary Account.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit any U.S. officer or employee, or person operating under color of federal law, under control of a federal official, or providing services to such person, while acting in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency, from: (1) seizing or authorizing seizure of any firearm the possession of which is not prohibited under federal or state law, other than for forfeiture in compliance with federal law or as evidence in a criminal investigation; (2) requiring registration of any firearm for which registration is not required by federal or state law; (3) prohibiting possession of any firearm in any place or by any person where such possession is not otherwise prohibited; or (4) prohibiting the carrying of firearms by any person otherwise authorized to carry firearms, solely because such person is operating under the direction, control, or supervision of a federal agency in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency. Authorizes any individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to seek relief by bringing an action for redress and by bringing a civil action in U.S. district court for return of a confiscated firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act - Amends firearms provisions of the federal criminal code to: (1) lift restrictions on the possession, transfer, and importation of machineguns, and certain other shotguns and rifles, for contractors providing national security services for the United States and training related to such services, and for manufacturers for testing, research, design, or development purposes; (2) prohibit the Attorney General from charging any tax or fee for any background check by the national instant criminal background check system; (3) permit juveniles to possess and use a handgun or ammunition for certain activities without written parental consent if the parent is present when the juvenile is using the handgun; (4) eliminate certain reporting requirements for multiple handgun sales (more than one sale within five days) by dealers to state police and law enforcement agencies; (5) prohibit the Attorney General from electronically retrieving records of gun dealers who have gone out of business by name or any personal identification code; (6) limit disclosure of trace records; and (7) allow importation of barrels, frames, and receivers for firearms other than handguns for repair or replacement purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Expresses appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders who: (1) attend military funerals across the country to show respect for fallen members of the Armed Forces and, when needed, shield mourning family members and friends of the deceased from war protesters who interrupt, or threaten to interrupt, the dignity of a funeral; and (2) in so doing, help preserve the memory and dignity of the nation's fallen heroes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Security and Accountability For Every Port Act or the SAFE Port Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance the security of the maritime transportation system. Directs the Secretary to develop protocols for the resumption of trade in the event of a transportation security incident that necessitates the suspension of trade. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan for improving the Automated Targeting System for identifying high-risk containers moving through the international supply chain. Requires states to submit to the Secretary biographic information on current and future employees who have access to secured areas of seaports and to compare such information against terrorist watch lists. Establishes in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a Director of Cargo Security Policy to coordinate DHS cargo security policies and programs with other executive agencies relating to cargo security. Establishes minimum standards and verification procedures for securing containers in transit to an importer in the United States, including international standards for the security of containers moving through the international supply chain. Directs the Secretary to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for the deployment of radiation detection equipment at all ports of entry. Establishes the Container Security Initiative (CSI) to identify and examine maritime containers that pose a risk for terrorism at foreign ports before they are shipped to the United States. Establishes: (1) the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) to strengthen and improve the overall security of the international supply chain and U.S. border security; and (2) a third tier of C-TPAT (Greenlane) that offers additional benefits to validated C-TPAT participants that demonstrate a sustained commitment beyond the minimum requirements for participation in C-TPAT. Establishes a port security grant program to allocate federal assistance to U.S. ports on the basis of risk and need
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Berry Amendment Extension Act - Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from procuring specified covered items directly related to national security interests (including clothing, tents, or natural fiber products, specialty metals, or hand or measuring tools) that are not grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States, except to the extent satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of any such product cannot be procured at U.S. market prices. Makes additional exceptions for: (1) procurements by vessels in foreign waters; (2) emergency procurements or procurements of perishable foods by establishments located outside the United States for their personnel; and (3) purchases for amounts not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($100,000). Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) each member of the Department's acquisition workforce who regularly participates in textile acquisition receives training during FY2006 on this Act's requirements; and (2) any such training includes comprehensive information on such requirements. Makes this Act inapplicable to the extent that it is inconsistent with U.S. obligations under an international agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Korean War Veterans Recognition Act of 2006 - Adds National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the flag of the United States should be displayed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf as a player, teacher, and commentator.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
National Drug Testing Integrity Act - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a rule that declares any substance or device designed or intended to falsify, alter, or defraud a lawfully administered drug test for detecting a chemical or controlled substance in the body to be a banned hazardous product.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 2006 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the rescission of any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority or the rescission, in whole or in part, of any item of direct spending. Sets forth requirements for the President's transmittal to Congress of a special message regarding a proposed rescission. Requires any rescinded budget authority or items of direct spending to be dedicated only to deficit reduction, and not to be used as an offset for other spending increases. Provides for adjustment of: (1) committee allocations resulting from such rescission; and (2) applicable limits, as appropriate, under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of a proposed rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or subterranean passage that crosses the international border between the United States and another country. Imposes a 20-year prison term for such offense. Imposes a 10-year prison term on any person who recklessly permits the construction or use of such a tunnel or passage on land that such person owns or controls. Doubles penalties for persons who use such a tunnel or passage to unlawfully smuggle an alien, illegal goods, controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction, or members of a terrorist organization. Subjects to forfeiture any property involved in, or traceable to, the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of criminal offenses related to the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Businesses Supporting Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow business entities a tax credit for contributions to a tax-exempt education scholarship organization which provides scholarships to elementary or secondary school students from low or moderate income families. Limits the annual amount of such credit to $100,000. Imposes a penalty tax on education scholarship organizations that fail to make required distributions of scholarship funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
Commends Italy, the Torino Olympic Organizing Committee, and the International Olympic Committee for the successful completion of the 2006 Winter Games. Congratulates the United States Olympic Committee, the United States Olympic Team, and all international athletes for their outstanding performances. Expresses support to the 2006 United States Paralympic Team in the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to provide that, whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction in civil rights cases in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising such jurisdiction, or relinquish it to a state court, if the party seeking redress does not allege a violation of a state law, right, or privilege, and no parallel proceeding is pending in state court that arises out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding. Declares that in an action in which operative facts concern the uses of real property, the district court shall exercise jurisdiction even if the party seeking redress does not pursue judicial remedies provided by a state or territory. Provides for referral of an unsettled question of state law to the state's highest appellate court. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of state law unless it is necessary to resolve the merits of the injured party's federal claim, and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any law, regulation, custom, or usage of any state or U.S. territory that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Declares that any claim founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States which causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States with respect to certain Constitutional property rights claims. Requires a federal agency, whenever it takes action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibitions against interstate gambling. Modifies the definition of "wire communication facility" to include all communications, including transmissions by satellite or microwave using fixed or mobile connections (e.g., the Internet or other wireless communications). Expands the definition of "bets and wagers" to include all forms of gambling activity. Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit anyone engaged in a gambling business from using a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) a communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers; or (3) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. Imposes a five-year prison term for violations. Prohibits anyone engaged in a gambling business from accepting in connection with the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations. Exempts certain instrastate gambling activities. Requires any common carrier who is notified in writing that a user of one of its communication facilities is violating prohibitions against interstate gambling to discontinue service to such user. Authorizes federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement agencies to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief to restrain persons from violating prohibitions against interstate gambling.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends the federal judicial code to provide that no court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation or the validity, under the Constitution, of the content of speech of any member of a state legislative body or any individual invited to speak before that body, when such speech occurs during the legislative session. Declares that any person who is a member of a state legislative body, or who is invited to speak before that body, other than as a witness, shall be immune from suit in any federal court, and shall not be held liable under any federal law, on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, unless such speech constitutes treason, breach of peace, or an admission of guilt of a crime. Prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce any court order relating to the content of speech occurring during the legislative session of a state legislative body, with the same exceptions. Prohibits a federal court from imposing a fine on any state, state legislative body, member of a state legislative body, or individual invited to speak before that body (other than as a witness), on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, with the same exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that it shall not be in order to consider a bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that establishes a new program or modifies an existing program by adding a new function unless such legislation also eliminates one or more existing programs of equal or greater total cost. Excludes legislation that establishes a new defense, homeland security, or emergency program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Savings for Working Families Act of 2006 - Allows certain low-income individuals between age 18 and 61 to establish tax-exempt individual development accounts (IDAs) to pay for certain qualified expenses, including education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, and business capitalization or expansion costs. Sets forth rules for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of IDAs. Permits tax-free withdrawals from IDAs for qualified expenses, but requires IDA beneficiaries to complete one or more financial education courses prior to making an IDA withdrawal. Allows certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, and Indian tribes to sponsor and administer IDAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow such entities a business-related tax credit for the cost of administering IDAs and for making matching contributions to IDAs in parallel accounts. Provides that IDA amounts shall be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under certain means-tested federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Recognizes and commends the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR), the NASCAR Universal Technical Institute, and a collaboration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for their creation of a strategic alliance to increase the number and quality of job opportunities for African-American students in key racing and other related automotive business activities. Encourages the Departments of Education and Labor and other appropriate federal agencies to support this effort.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Judiciary Rent Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to direct the Administrator of General Services to establish rent charges for accommodations provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) in federally-owned space that do not exceed the GSA's actual costs of operating and maintaining them. Prohibits GSA from assessing any amount for shell rent, tenant improvements, parking rent, or real estate taxes for federally-owned space assigned to the judiciary. Makes the judiciary responsible for providing funds to the GSA from judiciary appropriations to pay for new repair and alteration, tenant improvement, and construction projects performed by the GSA for such accommodations, except for those projects for which the GSA has separately received appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Tax Code Termination Act - Terminates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 after December 31, 2009, except for self-employment taxes, Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes, and Railroad Retirement taxes. Declares that any new federal tax system should be a simple and fair system that: (1) applies a low rate to all Americans; (2) provides tax relief for working Americans; (3) protects the rights of taxpayers and reduces tax collection abuses; (4) eliminates the bias against savings and investment; (5) promotes economic growth and job creation; and (6) does not penalize marriage or families. Requires that the new federal tax system be approved by Congress in its final form by July 4, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Recognizes the potential threat that sympathizers and financiers of Islamist terrorist organizations that operate in the Western Hemisphere pose to the United States, our allies, and interests. Acknowledges the cooperation of some Western Hemisphere governments to deny the use of their territory to Islamist terrorist organizations and calls on all governments to intensify such efforts. Encourages the President to direct the United States Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to: (1) seek OAS support for the creation of a special task force of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist in investigating and combating the proliferation of Islamist terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere; and (2) urge OAS countries to designate Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, al-Qaeda and other such groups as terrorist organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1 Boyden Street in Badin, North Carolina, as the "Mayor John Thompson `Tom' Garrison Memorial Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to promote the emergence of a democratic Palestinian governing authority that denounces and combats terrorism, upholds human rights for all people, and has agreed to recognize Israel as an independent Jewish state. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance under such Act or any other provision of law to the Palestinian Authority (PA) only during a period for which a presidential certification has determined: (1) that no PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization and no member of a foreign terrorist organization serves in a PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality; (2) that the PA has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the government of the United States, the government of Israel, and the international community; and (3) that the PA has made demonstrable progress toward purging from its security services individuals with ties to terrorism, dismantling all terrorist infrastructure and cooperating with Israel's security services, halting anti-Israel incitement, and ensuring democracy and financial transparency. Directs the President to make and transmit such certifications to Congress every six months. Prohibits during a period in which a certification is is not in effect with respect to the PA.: (1) assistance to nongovernmental organizations for the West Bank and Gaza (exempts assistance for basic human health needs from such limitation.); (2) U.S. contributions to the United Nations intended for U.N. agencies providing assistance directly to the PA; (3) visa issuance to any PA official or affiliated person (with a case-by-case exemption for U.S. security needs); (4) travel outside of a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters building for officials and representatives of the PA and of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) who are stationed at the United Nations in New York City; and (5) establishment of an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities within U.S. jurisdiction at the direction of, or with funds provided by, the PA or the PLO. Requires the President to direct the executive director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to prohibit assistance to the PA during any such period. Directs the Secretary of State to audit and report respecting duplicative entities and functions of: (1) the United Nations Division for Palestinian Rights; (2) the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; (3) the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority; (4) the NGO Network on the Question of Palestine; (5) the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories; and (6) any other entity the Secretary determines results in duplicative efforts or funding or fails to ensure balance in the approach to Israeli-Palestinian issues. Withholds specified U.S. contributions to the United Nations for such entities until the report's recommendations are implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that during any such period the territory controlled by the PA should be deemed to be in use as a terrorist sanctuary for purposes of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989. Prohibits funds to be used by any U.S. officer or employee to negotiate, attend official meetings, or have official contacts with members or official representatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist organization, until such organization: (1) recognizes Israel's right to exist; (2) renounces terrorism; (3) dismantles the terrorist infrastructure; and (4) recognizes all previous agreements and understandings between Israel and the PA.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Consumer Telephone Records Protection Act of 2006 - Prohibits any person from obtaining or causing the disclosure of, or requesting another person to obtain, customer proprietary network information relating to another person by: (1) making a false statement to a telecommunications carrier; or (2) providing any information knowing that it is counterfeit, that it was obtained fraudulently or without the customer's consent, or that it contains a false statement. Prohibits a person from selling customer information relating to any other person knowing it was obtained in such manner. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each telecommunications carrier to notify a customer when proprietary network information relating to such customer is disclosed in violation of such prohibitions. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Gives all of the functions and powers of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under that Act to the FCC to enforce compliance. Prescribes penalties, which double for violations that are part of a pattern of illegal activity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Amends rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that general appropriation bills contain a separate list of all earmarks in the accompanying report and the name of the sponsoring Member of each such earmark.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
No Parole for Sex Offenders Act - Requires a state, in order not to reduce the funds available for Local Law Enforcement Block Grants by 10%, to have in effect a law that disallows parole for a sexually violent predator or an individual convicted of a criminal offense against a minor. Provides for the redistribution of withheld funds to participating states that are in compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Gulf Deregulation Act - Establishes the Gulf Deregulation Commission to: (1) identify federal, state, and local regulations that have the effect of impeding recovery and relief efforts in Hurrican Katrina or Hurricane Rita disaster areas; and (2) recommend the temporary suspension of a federal regulation, or part of one, for a maximum 18-month period if it impedes the reconstruction and recovery of any hurricane disaster area and imposes a restriction or mandate on public-sector, private-sector, or nonprofit activity. Requires the President to suspend any federal regulation, as recommended by the Commission, unless Congress disapproves of such suspension. Sets forth congressional procedures for consideration of a joint resolution disapproving the Commission's recommendations. Allows reinstatement of a suspended regulation by its administering department or agency pursuant to a determination that the benefits of the reinstatement outweigh the costs. Subjects such determination to direction from or reversal by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for medical expenses without the gross income percentage limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Stop Loans Offered to Illegal Aliens Now (Stop LOAN) Act - Prohibits loans by federal agencies to illegal aliens. Requires a federal agency to use the employment verification system established under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (or any successor program) to verify an individual's name, date of birth, social security number, and lawful presence before extending a loan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Proficiency Testing Improvement Act of 2005 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from conducting laboratory proficiency testing of individuals involved in screening or interpreting cytological preparations for one year. Requires the Secretary, within one year and before resuming testing, to revise such proficiency testing to: (1) reflect the collaborative clinical decision-making of laboratory personnel involved in screening or interpreting cytological preparations; (2) revise grading or scoring criteria to reflect current practice guidelines; (3) provide for such testing to be conducted no more than every two years; and (4) make such other revisions as necessary to reflect changes in laboratory operations and practices since the standards were promulgated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Safeguarding Our Religious Liberties Act - Amends the federal judicial code to divest federal courts of jurisdiction to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of, or the validity under the Constitution of, the Ten Commandments, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Motto.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Condemns: (1) the arbitrary detention of Dr. Pham Hong Son and others by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for their immediate release; and (2) the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam. Urges the government of Vietnam to: (1) consider the implications of its actions for the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship, including trade relations; and (2) allow access to the Central Highlands and to the Northwest Highlands by foreign diplomats, the international press, and nongovernmental organizations. Applauds the European Parliament for its December 2005 resolution regarding human rights in Vietnam. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Dr. Pham Hong Son and others a top concern; (2) continue to urge the government of Vietnam to comply with internationally recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights; (3) make clear to the government of Vietnam that it must adhere to the rule of law and respect the freedom of the press in order for it to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO); and (4) make clear to the government of Vietnam that the detention of Dr. Pham and others is not in the interest of Vietnam because such detentions create obstacles to improved U.S. relations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Health Care Choices for Seniors Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivor's and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure under which an individual otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare) may waive such entitlement and be automatically enrolled in the Medicare Alternative Voucher Program (MAV Program). Directs the Secretary to establish the MAV Program, under which a voucher may be used as a contribution into a health savings account and for the payment of enrollment premiums under a high deductible health plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the itemized deduction for health savings accounts by the amount of the MAV that is contributed to an individual's health savings account. Suspends Medicare late enrollment penalties for individuals between ages 65 and 70.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Amends the federal criminal code to establish a national standard for the carrying of certain concealed firearms by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state in accordance with the restrictions of that state or as specified under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Congressional Integrity and Pension Forfeiture Act of 2005 - Requires the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations that prohibit eligibility in the governmental retirement system for a Member convicted of certain offenses that are: (1) committed by the individual while a Member, (2) related to the individual's service as a Member, and (3) after enactment of this Act. Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual. Authorizes the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Management System to prescribe necessary regulations with respect to the Thrift Saving Plan and which include provisions requiring the return of all vested amounts attributable to periods of service rendered by the individual as a Member. Defines "Member" as "the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico."
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Congressional Pension Accountability Act - Prohibits a Member of Congress, or a survivor or beneficiary, from receiving an annuity or retired pay if such Member is: (1) convicted of bribery of public officials and witnesses, conspiracy either to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States, perjury, or subornation of perjury; or (2) indicted or has outstanding charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Defines "Member of Congress" as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Recognizes the outstanding contributions Preston Robert Tisch made throughout his life to New York City, the New York Giants, the National Football League, and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Urges the President to issue annually a proclamation calling on state and local governments and the people of the United States to observe an American Jewish History Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and display it in a suitable permanent location in the rotunda of the Capitol. Expresses the sense of Congress that the most suitable location for the placement of the bust is one adjacent to the statue known as the Portrait Monument.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005
America's Brownfield Cleanup Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for 50% of expenditures for the abatement or control of any hazardous substance, the demolition of any structure, the removal and disposal of property, and the reconstruction of utilities at certain contaminated sites. Allows a tax exclusion for certain contributions made for the remediation of contaminated sites.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005
Recognizes the importance of Christmas symbols and traditions and expresses support for their use. Expresses disapproval of attempts to ban references to Christmas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Comprehensive Immigration Data And Technology Accountability Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to consolidate existing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services databases into a comprehensive database that allows real-time access to data in order to improve customer service and enhance national security and public safety. Requires the database to facilitate real-time data exchange with all other databases of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, federal law enforcement agencies, and the intelligence community relevant to all aspects of alien screening, including databases used for visa issuance and those used for determinations of admissibility and deportability.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Children's Hope Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit, up to $100 ($200 for joint returns), for charitable contributions to an education investment organization that disburses 90% of its contributions to provide grants to students for elementary and secondary education expenses, if at least 50% of such disbursements go to students who qualify for free or reduced-cost school lunches. Requires a taxpayer claiming such credit to first claim a state qualified scholarship tax credit, as defined by this Act, as a condition of eligibility for the federal tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Expresses support for the government of Romania's desire to improve the standard of care and well-being of children in Romania. Urges the government of Romania to: (1) complete the processing of certain intercountry adoption cases; and (2) amend its child welfare and adoption laws to decrease adoption barriers. Urges the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to work with the government of Romania to achieve these ends. Requests that the European Union (EU) and its member states not impede the government of Romania's efforts to place orphaned or abandoned children in permanent homes in a manner that is consistent with Romania's obligations under the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to authorize the disclosure to government agencies of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) records on assistance provided to individuals in connection with a major disaster or emergency for purposes of complying with a federal or state sex offender registry or notification law. Conditions receipt of federal funds by non-governmental organizations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act on the organization providing assurances satisfactory to the President that it will disclose its records for the purpose of permitting a requesting jurisdiction to comply with a federal or state sex offender registry or notification law.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude manure from the definition of "hazardous substance" or "pollutant or contaminant" under that Act. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Myrick, Sue Wilkins [R-NC-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001134_200.jpg)